Is Chronic Bronchitis Contagious? Here’s What You Should Know
Bronchitis is one of the two types of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). It is the inflammation of the tubes that carry air to the lungs caused by factors like smoking. Over time, repeated Acute Bronchitis bouts can also turn into Chronic Bronchitis.
Symptoms like cough usually make people wonder if Chronic Bronchitis is contagious. So, is it true or is it another popular medical myth? There is more to it than you might think. To explore the reality, read on.
Chronic Bronchitis: Is it contagious
Chronic Bronchitis is not contagious. It is mainly long-term inflammation, mucus buildup, and cough for at least three months or two years in a row. Its main causes are smoking, exposure to environmental toxins like air pollutants or smog, and genetics. Therefore, even if you have a prolonged cough, you are not contagious if another infection is not present simultaneously.
However, Chronic Bronchitis increases your chances of getting other lung infections. Even the possibility of episodes of Acute Bronchitis increases, and symptoms worsen. As these additional infections present along with Chronic Bronchitis are mainly caused by viruses and bacteria, these secondary infections can be contagious.
How long is Chronic Bronchitis contagious
If a virus causes the secondary infection or Bronchitis bout, you will be contagious for a few days to weeks. If the cause is bacteria, you will stop being contagious after 24 hours of taking your antibiotics.
How is it different from Acute Bronchitis
Acute Bronchitis is contagious, unlike Chronic Bronchitis. It is mainly caused by an infection due to a virus or bacteria. However, it is not prolonged and serious like Chronic Bronchitis and will last a few days or weeks. On the other hand, Chronic Bronchitis will never go away, but the symptoms can improve or worsen over time.
For a more detailed explanation, you can read Acute Bronchitis vs Chronic Bronchitis.
Chronic Bronchitis treatment
Antibiotics, steroids, and bronchodilator medications are a few treatment options for Chronic Bronchitis. They can clear up secondary infections and improve Chronic Bronchitis symptoms such as cough, wheezing, and chest tightness. Oxygen therapy to improve breathing and even surgery to remove damaged tissues can be performed if required.
NSAIDs like Ibuprofen and Naproxen can be effective for inflammation. A study by Carl Llor found that anti-inflammatory treatment is better than antibiotic treatment for reducing inflammation and cough.
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Preventive measures
As discussed earlier, Chronic Bronchitis can be contagious if a secondary infection is present. However, you can prevent this by:
Vaccine
About 90 percent of secondary infections, such as Acute Bronchitis, are caused by Influenza A and B, Adenovirus, Coronavirus, Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Rhinovirus, Parainfluenza, and Human Metapneumovirus. Getting an influenza or flu vaccine is recommended for people with Chronic Bronchitis.
It can prevent further infections that can turn contagious or even lower the risk of influenza-related complications. Everyone aged six months or above should get the flu vaccine every season.
You should always get regular and up-to-date vaccines, as the causes of flu can vary with each season. If you have allergies or other medical conditions, confirm with your doctor before getting your shot.
Lifestyle changes
Practicing good hygiene, such as washing your hands with soap and water, not touching your eyes or nose with dirty hands, wearing a mask in public places, and covering your mouth before coughing and sneezing, are a few ways to prevent secondary infections like flu.
As smoke is one of the most common risk factors for Chronic Bronchitis and other infections, you should avoid smoking, stay away from passive smoking (indirect smoke inhaled when another person smokes), and other air toxins.
Conclusion
Chronic Bronchitis alone is not contagious. It can cause prolonged cough, inflammation, and mucus buildup but will not pass on to another person until a secondary infection is present. This secondary infection can be Acute Bronchitis or other bacterial and viral infections.
You remain contagious for a few weeks if the cause is a viral infection. In the case of bacteria, you are no longer contagious after 24 hours of antibiotics administration. Besides antibiotics, other treatment options for Chronic Bronchitis include steroids, surgery, oxygen therapy, and NSAIDs.
To prevent secondary infections and the risk of other complications, you can quit smoking, avoid second-hand smoke and avoid exposure to environmental toxins. Moreover, hygiene practices like washing hands, covering your mouth while coughing, and not touching your eyes and nose with dirty hands are a few steps to avoid contagious infections.
Stay aware of any ongoing flu and ensure you get yearly vaccinations to avoid unwanted infections. With the right care and precautions, you can improve your symptoms and keep yourself and the people around you safe.
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